Rep. Tina Sablan (D-Saipan) has proposed a House bill that could raise the CNMI minimum wage from $7.25 to $10 in the next four years.
During a special House session yesterday, Sablan offered House Bill 22-98 to establish a CNMI minimum wage that is not less than the federal minimum wage; to gradually increase the CNMI minimum wage by $0.55 increments within 120 days of the effective date of the act, and every year thereafter until the minimum wage is $10 per hour.
The bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee following the session.
Sablan said House Bill 22-98 repeals or amends outdated sections of the CNMI wage and hour law that discriminate against workers with unpaid wage claims and certain categories of workers, including elderly workers, domestic workers, and workers with disabilities.
House Bill 22-98 also takes aim at the extremely limited window of time for workers to file claims for unpaid wages or other compensation owed them. Under current statutes, workers are allowed just six months after the last occurring violation, or within 30 days after termination of a contract to recoup unpaid wages.
“It often takes more time than that for workers to realize that their rights have been violated and that they are owed money, and to understand and navigate the process for filing complaints. Over the years, many workers in the CNMI who have been cheated by their employers have had their claims time-barred and dismissed. With this legislation, we extend the time...
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